2024 GANS Award Recipient - Dr. Bob Maher

The Geomatics Association of Nova Scotia (GANS) is proud to announce that Dr. Bob Maher has been awarded the 2024 GANS Award of Distinction in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the geomatics sector in Nova Scotia.
Dr. Maher has been a pivotal figure in advancing geographic information system (GIS) technology. As a Senior Research Scientist at the College of Geographic Sciences (COGS) in Nova Scotia, he established a world-class training program for GIS programmers, significantly contributing to Canada's pool of highly qualified GIS professionals.
His influence extends internationally, having conducted intensive GIS training courses in countries such as China, Indonesia, and Zimbabwe for various international aid agencies. Dr. Maher has also held academic positions, teaching Applied Mathematics, Quantitative Methods, Computer Mapping, Biogeography, Scientific Computer Programming, and Computer Graphics, in addition to GIS.
In his role as a senior manager with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Dr. Maher was responsible for all aspects of GIS education and technical and management training across more than 60 locations. He produced a framework for corporate GIS training and established partnerships with colleges, universities, and the private sector, representing one of the most extensive implementations of GIS technology in Canadian government.
Dr. Maher's innovative work includes leading a team in Nova Scotia that developed one of the first PC-based GIS digitizing systems and, in Alberta, developing a PC-based integration of image processing and GIS.

The award was presented at the GANS Annual General Meeting in 2024, celebrating Dr. Maher's achievements and his lasting impact on the geomatics profession. 

Congratulations to Dr. Bob Maher on this well-deserved honor!

2023 GANS Award Recipient - Eric Melanson 

The Geomatics Association of Nova Scotia (GANS) is proud to announce that Eric Melanson has been awarded the 2023 GANS Award of Distinction in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the geomatics sector in Nova Scotia.

Eric has been a driving force in the industry, demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing geomatics technologies and applications. His work has significantly impacted the community, fostering collaboration and growth within the sector.

Beyond his professional contributions, Eric has been an instrumental leader within GANS, serving as President from 2013 to 2015 and holding several key roles, including Treasurer, throughout his years on the board. His leadership and commitment to the organization have helped shape GANS into the thriving association it is today, supporting the geomatics community through advocacy, education, and collaboration.

The award was presented at the GANS Annual General Meeting in 2023, celebrating Eric’s achievements and his lasting impact on the geomatics profession.

Congratulations to Eric Melanson on this well-deserved honor!

  

2021 & 2022 - No nominations were received, so GANS did not present the award at these GANS AGMs.

2020 GANS Award Recipient - Dave MacLean

Dave has been a selfless contributor to the geomatics industry in Nova Scotia for decades. He has long bridged the large gap between those new to the geomatics industry, such as students, with academia and industry. He has contributed to the Geomatics Association of Nova Scotia for years and he is indeed a glue that helps to holds the organization together and keep it running smoothly. 

He even forged a relationship with an astronaut who was aboard the International Space Station - all thanks to his dedication to making geomatics useful and interesting, and sharing those sentiments with his students and the wider geomatics

You would be very hard pressed to find even find any geomatics professional in Nova Scotia who doesn't know the name Dave MacLean. The geomatics industry in Nova Scotia is incredibly fortunate to have such a champion in our corner. For all these reasons, we would like to recognize Dave as the winner of the 2020 GANS award of distinction.

Follow Dave on Twitter for all kinds of cool geospatial news, images and more! https://twitter.com/DaveAtCOGS

  

2019 GANS Award Recipient - No nominations were received, so GANS did not present the award at the 2019 GANS AGM.

 2018 GANS Award Recipient - Ted MacKinnon

Ted MacKinnon was awarded the Award of Distinction in 2018 for his leadership and continuous support of promoting geomatics and the importance of Canadian Geographic Information. 

Ted has been actively helping to promote the geospatial community here in Nova Scotia as well as all across Canada for more then 20 years. He actively volunteers in several professional organizations at a multitude of levels including GANS, (where he has served as President for 2 years and on the Board of Directors for the past 5 years), the Canadian Institute of Geomatics, Canadian Cartographic Association, Canadian Remote Sensing Society, and the Royal Canadian Geographic Society.

He has built a solid online presence with over 50 thousand followers on Twitter, facebook and LinkedIn, that he uses to help reach the broader geospatial community, sharing information about Canadian issues such as geography education, open data, events, jobs and much more.

Congratulations Ted and thanks for all you do to promote the Canadian Geomatics Sector

Need Canadian geospatial resources? Then check out the Ted's site CanadianGIS.com for geographic information from all across Canada